We had a rainy, gray day a few days ago that put me in a fall mood even though it was hot outside. I wanted soup and for some reason Cream of Carrot came to mind even though I had never heard of it actually being made. I had creamy Parsnip in Ireland so I knew it had to exist.
The recipe we found online called for bacon and specified it was “to add a smokey flavor.” I didn’t have any bacon but that didn’t stop me. I have never put ham in my split pea soup because my husband doesn’t care for meat, so I am accustomed to changing recipes to be more vegetarian, though I am not one. We just eat that way most of the time.
Anyway, I decided as I was putting it all together to make a really strong cup of this Lapsang and add it, and VOILA! Nice smokey flavor without bacon! The soup as great. I topped it with mozzarella and Penzey’s California Seasoned Pepper. The smoke really did add to it, so I texted my son’s girlfriend (who IS a vegetarian!) to let her know this little trick, as she is a good cook and loves soup as much as I do.
I made roasted chicken rubbed in steeped out Lapsang leaves once, really tasty.
Nice! I am looking forward to doing more cooking with tea!